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DIY Dining Table
Furniture is NOT cheap. Especially when you are like me and have champagne taste on a beer budget. I desperately wanted a large table with a bench to fit all our friends and family for special occasions, but also be suitable for our weekly family dinners. All of the tables I found that I liked were close to $1000. So, I turned to Facebook marketplace.
Most of the tables were a little cheaper, but not enough. Then I found one for $90. Why so cheap? It was hideous. It was unfinished, but someone had painted (not stained) the top of the table brown. It needed some love and stain and it would be great (the ad said).
I talked my husband into going to pick it up. He was not really on board when he saw it, but he humored me and we bought it anyway.
Then, the sanding began! If you’ve never sanded, you are not missing out on much. It’s dusty and labor intensive! Plus I was doing it in our Arizona garage in JULY! What were we thinking???
I watched several videos online about how to sand, stain, and seal my table. Let’s be real. I’m not handy or really equipt in any of those skills. But I rolled up my sleeves and followed these simple steps.
- Sand the table and bench with an electric sander (unless you have a year to sand). I wore a mask and sunglasses. You really should wear better protective eye-wear. I trust you can do this better then me.
- Blow all the dust from the table so you have a clean surface to stain. Then wipe it down.
- We used a grey stain that showed the brown of the table through. This way it matches both the wood and the grey in our home. In Arizona it dries fast so you have to move fast to keep the stain even.
- Seal it with polyurethane- which also makes it shinier and protects the wood.
- Let it dry for a few days outside- it smells!
My husband gave me a hand with sanding, as he was starting to see the potential that I saw- and he wanted some of the credit. I did the staining and sealing. We spent about $30 on those supplies. Not only is the end product exactly what I wanted, but I have so much pride in it since I did most of it myself. If I can do it- you can do it. I’d never sanded or stained anything before!
I added some chairs I purchased at American Home Furniture (I LOVE that store!), and the dining set was complete!
I LOVE doing things myself to save money, and personalize it just how I want it to be. I have a fancy table that cost me a fraction of the price had I bought it brand new. Plus, my kids watched me work hard for something I wanted. I’m always trying to lead by example- sometimes I fall short and other times I can say “Nailed it!”
Final product!!!!!!!! -
Instant Pot!
As a Mom it is the little things in life that bring us joy. When our kids don’t fight, getting our hair done, enjoying a clean floor for about 1.5 minutes before kids come in and dirty it again…… and finally, any device or product that makes our life easier! The Instant Pot is just this! I have to share about it because it truly made my life as a Mom and Wife easier!
The hype is real. Game changer- seriously. I resisted the urge to buy one for the longest time. When I finally did I was thrilled. I reached out to my girlfriend Stacey who had recommended I get one forever ago, and she responded with “told you!” She would know. At the time she was raising twin 3 year olds and a 5 year old- all girls! She’s a fitness and health nut, but drowning in keeping it all together like the rest of us. If she says it’s legit- it is. I should have listened to her the year prior when she told me to get one. Moving forward I will always take her advice on things that make life easier!
It does everything- and faster! And sometimes better!!!
My only complaint is that when I got mine it did not come in different colors like it does now! So jealous! Anyway, it is worth the money. I will share some tips on what I use it for, but the list is endless. I can make our chili at the last minute, rice and steamed veggies in no time, shredded chicken, hard boiled eggs- the list goes on. Yes yes, you can buy steam-in-the-bag rice and veggies, but they just don’t taste as good in the microwave. Plus, you can’t buy fresh veggies for the microwave!
Before we moved to Arizona we sold our house in California and moved in with my Mom. We brought our clothes, some toys for the kids, and the Instant Pot. A month later my husband moved to Arizona ahead of us, and wanted to take the Instant Pot with him. Ladies, we know who won that battle. IP stayed with me! Hubby had to make do for 3 months without it!
Give yourself a Christmas gift and enjoy!
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Haunting Words
When you tell people you are moving out of state, everyone has an opinion.
“WHY would you leave California??”
“I’m so jealous! I wish I could leave!”
“Your poor Mom! She’s going to miss her Grandkids!”
“You can probably get a mansion there!”
“You know how hot it is in Arizona??”
Most of the comments were not super positive. I like to think that’s because people didn’t want us to leave. But it was draining at times. I took some comments too personally due to the emotions of leaving. One comment really stuck with me for some reason.
The words that still haunt me at times came from a friend. “I just think I would be hanging out in my big ass house, and be like, Great! I have no family or friends here. What’s the point of that?” I understood why she was saying that, and it was one of my biggest fears. We majorly upgraded the home we live in by moving- but yes we don’t have all the local family to share it with as regularly. BUT, we have had SO many visitors in the short time we have been here. Why? Because they LOVE us! Haha- true. But also we have a guest room now! My mother in law pointed out that she felt like she got more time with the kids by visiting for 3 short days, then when she stayed a week at a hotel. She was here for tuck in and wake up…… and everything in between.
At times I still struggle with some of the comments I received from people before we moved…… but I know we did the right thing for us. It will take awhile for all the pieces to fall into place. Sometimes I do sit in my big house and feel really lonely, and wonder what the hell we did. But most of the time I’m happy with our new life here in Arizona!
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Gilbert-Movie in the park
Tonight we checked out the free movie in the park! Kids loved it! They open the community center so there are bathrooms free to use. There are a handful of vendors offering treats and food for sale. We packed a picnic and bought dessert there.
Best part- we ran into friends from Lylas school. Reminded me of back home where I ran into people I knew everywhere. Gilbert is MUCH bigger so that doesn’t happen all the time anymore, but when it does it’s awesome. Loved the small town feel at this event and we will absolutely go again.
Next time we will get there an hour early to snag a better spot. Also, there is plenty of room to throw a football or Frisbee so we will bring one next time too. I also saw some people playing cards which I thought was an fun idea. It was nice to see so many families out, and very few on their phones. Families were engaged together and enjoying the beautiful weather and amazing movie- How to Train a Dragon! It’s these moments that I try to sit and enjoy. For a moment in time the kids were not bickering…. and everything was peaceful. Great Friday night!
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Gilberts first Oktoberfest!
My Mother was born and raised in Germany, so when my cousin asked me to come check out the Oktoberfest in Gilbert, I thought “of course!”
I felt the need to dress up- so I pieced something together that resembled a dirndl. For last minute I think I did pretty good! I tried to get my kids to join the fun, but they were not feeling the style at all.
I’ve been to a few Oktoberfest’s in California and this one was similar. I was disappointed that more people, including staff, were not dressed up. I mean- it just makes it more fun! There were a handful of people in traditional gear, but not very many.
Beer, food, music, lawn games, and rides- we had a great time. I think the festival can grow- but the potential was there. My kids had an awesome time, so much that they didn’t want to leave.
I ran into one of my dance students, so I was feeling “famous” again ha ha. Back home I used to constantly run into people I knew (always telling my husband that I’m kind of a big deal). So, running into someone I know 2 days in a row was epic! (I had run into someone at movie in the park the previous night).
Since moving to Arizona I have reconnected with my cousin Josh. He had invited me to join him, his wife, and sister-in-law at Oktoberfest. It’s been wonderful having family here….. even if we barely know each other. He came to my daughters birthday party, and I will see him again soon when my Dad is visiting. It’s just adding another plus to the move out here. He and his wife are expecting so I can’t wait to snuggle that baby!
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Emotions of Moving
In the process of moving, I had very little emotion. At my final recital, my dance students were bawling their eyes out, and I was somehow numb. It didn’t seem real that I was leaving…. and I knew I would see most of them again. (I was already scheduled to come back a few months later to set choreography). But I still didn’t understand my lack of emotion.
Leaving my parents and closest friend, I was sad- but still I didn’t cry. The stress of selling our home and buying a new one, all while trying to work and be a decent parent- I was stretched thin. I couldn’t feel anything.
And then, about 3 weeks after moving, I fell apart.
My husband was on the toilet, I walked in with a frown, and burst into tears. He reached his arms out. I sat on his lap in the bathroom and cried and cried. He knew why.
It was 4th of July. We always hosted 4th of July back home. Our friends would come over and we would walk to watch fireworks. And now here we were in Arizona without a friend in sight. What were we thinking? Why did we leave all the good things in our lives? Why did I rip my kids away from their grandparents and friends?
I was at a loss. My emotions finally caught up with me. BUT the day did get better. Jason had bought a pack of fireworks (that would have been illegal in Cali), and we went out front to light them up. Several of our neighbors were out too. We got to chatting with a few of them, and a weight got lifted off my shoulders. We were going to be OK.
I still have my moments of questioning our decision to move….. but for the most part I know it was the right decision for our family. My parents are visiting often and 2 friends are scheduled to come visit in the next few months. I can’t lie and say moving is easy. It’s super hard. But I believe that the hard things in life are some of the best things in life. Our story is only beginning- and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Kitchen Remodel- Part 1
Our new kitchen is a major upgrade from our old house. There is a plethora of cabinets, a pantry, and an island!!! But, the look is boring, and the island is not very helpful. It doesn’t have seating!
So we looked into extending the island and adding seating…… but with granite that was going to be at least 2k! This thrifty mom was not about to drop that kind of money. So, we looked into a wood table extension. It was less then a quarter of the cost, and I LOVE the look! We found a small local company to build it. We now have extra counter space AND seating!
My husband and I removed the old granite counter top ourselves. I’m all about reusing what you can, so we attached it to our outdoor coffee table, and it fits perfectly! Now we have a beautiful granite coffee table AND a great new kitchen island for under $500! Nailed it!
Phase 2 will be changing the color of the cabinets…. I want teal, hubby wants, well, he wants NOT teal. We will see what we come up with. I’m sure that project will involve lots of cursing…… might need a video for that project!
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Thank you cards
When I was a kid I dreaded writing Thank You cards- but my Mom made me do it anyway. It took forever, I never knew what to write, and it seemed pointless……. but now I get it.
Now that we live far away from almost all our relatives, I know the Thank You card holds even more value. In the past, I’ve sent a text message to whoever gave the gift, with a picture of my kid holding or wearing the gift, with a nice message. I think it’s not a bad option and it serves its purpose in saying “Thank You.”
BUT, what am I teaching my kids? Leading by example…. yes? In order to really teach them the value in saying thanks, I made a change after my sons last fundraiser.
We received a lot of donations from friends and family, far more generous than expected. I didn’t feel a text was enough. So, I sat my 7 year old down with 10 note cards and set him to work. “Can’t we just write one card and photocopy it?” He asked me. He’s a smart cookie that kid. I explained that a handwritten note is much more personal and it would make people feel happy! And, I reminded him that his birthday and Christmas are coming- so it’s good to leave an appreciative impression on those generous friends and family members. =)
He did a decent job on the cards…..and then we took the pile to the post office, bought stamps, and he placed them on each card. You could see he took some pride in his work and I was happy to assist in the process.
In the busy lives we lead, a little effort goes a long way. We are all so overly connected with our devices, yet totally isolated from each other at the same time. I’m trying to find ways to keep things the “way they used to be,” while raising kids in the world that is NOT the world I grew up in.
I mentioned this act of Thank You cards to some of my Pilates clients and it opened the floodgates! Apparently the act of writing Thank You cards is getting lost. One client said she had attended 6 weddings last year, each couple was given a gift, and she only received 1 Thank You card! “That’s so tacky!” One client said. Everyone nodded in agreement. The other clients chimed in that that has been their experience as well. I really struck a chord with this topic- all my clients were obviously irritated and disappointed in the lack of appreciation these days. It’s not just our kids that need the reminder, but us adults too. Gratitude is so important! Those small acts of kindness go a long way with people.
I challenge all of us to take the time to show appreciation to others. My Mom instilled this value in me, and I want to make sure my kids know how important it is. Just doing my part to raise good humans!
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Leaving California
Being born and raised in California, I swore I would never leave. Why would I? Family is close…. the weather is amazing… there is so much to do…. we have a community of friends…. but time took its toll on my relationship with California.
My husband was working 2 jobs just so we could be comfortable. I was working a little more then part time, and taking care of our 2 kids. We weren’t taking lavish vacations, or splurging on crazy nights out- yet we were JUST getting by. How is that possible?
California is an expensive place to live. There seemed to be no end in sight to the cost of living. Gas prices and taxes were climbing constantly. After months and months of discussion, we finally made the decision to move. Our home had doubled in value in the 9 years we had owned it, so we knew we would be ahead if we sold. And thus our adventure began!
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